Sun Feb 15 23:54:30 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Tamil Nadu Leads India in Hiring Industry Experts as “Professors of Practice”

The Story:

Tamil Nadu is at the forefront of a nationwide initiative to integrate industry expertise into higher education, leading in the number of “Professors of Practice” (PoPs) hired by its Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The University Grants Commission (UGC) introduced the PoP scheme in 2022 to bridge the gap between academia and industry by bringing professionals with significant real-world experience into the classroom. While private universities are the primary adopters of the scheme, Central universities show limited participation.

The UGC’s initiative allows institutions to hire experts from engineering, science, technology, and entrepreneurship to develop industry-relevant courses, curricula, and joint research projects. The PoP positions are temporary, with a maximum service duration of three years, extendable by one year in exceptional cases.

Key Points:

  • Tamil Nadu has hired the most Professors of Practice (395) followed by Maharashtra (193), Gujarat (179) and Karnataka (170).
  • The UGC introduced guidelines for hiring Professors of Practice (PoP) in 2022.
  • Eligibility requires a minimum of 15 years of relevant industry experience.
  • Private universities have hired the most PoPs (715), while Central universities have hired only 15.
  • The maximum service duration for a PoP is three years, extendable to four years in exceptional cases.
  • As of February 16, 2026, 1,841 PoPs have been hired by 349 HEIs.

Critical Analysis:

The disparity in PoP adoption between private and central universities highlights potential systemic differences in resource allocation, bureaucratic processes, or institutional priorities. Private universities, often more agile and market-driven, may find it easier to adapt to the UGC’s guidelines and recruit industry professionals. The limited engagement from central universities could indicate a need for more targeted incentives or streamlined processes to encourage participation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tamil Nadu is proactively integrating industry expertise into its higher education system.
  • The UGC’s PoP scheme aims to enhance the practical relevance of academic programs.
  • Private universities are leading the way in implementing the PoP scheme, while Central universities lag behind.
  • The temporary nature of PoP appointments ensures that they supplement rather than replace existing faculty.
  • The scheme aims to provide students with mentorship and exposure to domain experts.

Impact Analysis:

The widespread adoption of the PoP scheme, particularly in states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, could significantly impact the quality and relevance of higher education. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, the initiative could lead to:

  • Improved employability of graduates: Graduates will be more equipped with industry-relevant skills.
  • Increased innovation and research: Collaboration between academics and industry professionals can foster innovation and address real-world challenges.
  • Enhanced curriculum development: Industry insights can inform the design of more practical and up-to-date curricula.
  • Strengthened industry-academia partnerships: The scheme can foster stronger relationships between higher education institutions and the industry.
  • Increased regional economic growth: By producing a more skilled workforce, the initiative can contribute to economic growth in states that actively embrace it.

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